San Juan, PR – Facing a double-digit deficit after every quarter, the Montclair State University women's basketball team (7-3) used a strong fourth-quarter rally to bring themselves all the way back into the game, but ultimately saw the rally fall short against Susquehanna (10-1), 63-61, on Friday afternoon.
How It Happened
- The River Hawks held the early advantage in the first four minutes of the contest, but a layup from ALEXIS STROLLO and made free throws from ALYSSA CRAIGWELL helped them keep pace with the score at 7-4 Susquehanna. The River Hawks then used an 8-2 run to push out to a 15-6 advantage just before the halfway point in the quarter. After a jumper made by SAMANTHA PHILIPP, Susquehanna used another run of 10-3 to take a double-digit advantage. BELLA BRUCE closed the quarter out with a pair of free throws, and the Red Hawks fell behind, 25-13, in the opening frame.
- Bruce opened the second with a made layup, and makes from Craigwell and Philipp helped them get back to a single-digit deficit of 30-21 with six minutes remaining in the period. Susquehanna was able to stave off Montclair, however, and outscored them 10-5 down the stretch to take a 40-26 lead into the halftime intermission.
- The Red Hawks and the River Hawks battled back and forth in the third quarter. Bruce, Philipp, and Craigwell connected on consecutive field goals to cut the lead to 44-32 with a chance to get the lead back to single digits, but Susquehanna held them off with an 8-0 run to swing the game back in their favor, 52-34. Bruce and Philipp ended the quarter with two deep balls and narrowed the deficit to 52-40.
- Montclair came out of the blocks in the final quarter with a fantastic rally. Bruce kicked off the scoring in the quarter with a three-pointer and ignited a 9-2 run that cut the River Hawk lead to 54-49 with 6:38 remaining in the game. After another made free throw by Susquehanna, MADISON MARCOTTE led another run of 7-2 with a made three-pointer and a layup that tied the game at 56-56 with 2:56 remaining. Susquehanna retook the lead with a layup, but was answered by a Craigwell three to give Montclair its first lead of the game at 59-58. A made layup and a free throw pushed Susquehanna back up 61-59 with just 14 seconds remaining. Craigwell responded with a clutch make that tied the game with 11 seconds left, but Susquehanna broke through the defense for a layup in the next five seconds. With one last opportunity to either tie or secure the win, the Red Hawks couldn't find the shot they needed and dropped the thriller, 63-61.
Inside the Numbers
- For the first time since the opening game against Albright, Bruce led the team in points with 19, including burying three three-pointers. She also led the team with two blocks and recorded four rebounds and two steals.
- Craigwell tallied 17 points and seven rebounds with five boards coming on the offensive end.
- Philipp saw her fourth double-digit point effort of the season with 11 on the day, while Marcotte saw seven points on a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor and added two steals.
- Montclair got a lot of their bench with 27 points coming off of it.
From the Court
Up Next
- Montclair State University will close out 2025, hosting the Mike Scala Memorial Tournament beginning on Monday, December 29. The Red Hawks will play against SUNY New Paltz at 4:00 p.m.
